TheDairySite Newsletter - 4 November 2011

Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial: Industry Disappointed At Milk Price Inquiry

In Australia, industry bodies are calling for the Government to intervene against Coles' milk pricing strategy - after the final report of a milk pricing inquiry did not recommend any immediate action.

Western Australian Farmers Federation (WAFarmers) said: "Coles’ price cuts are unsustainable and the evidence proves this."

WAFarmers is calling on the Government to provide assistance before more dairy farmers leave the industry.

The inquiry began after concerns were raised over Coles discounting non-branded milk to A$1 per litre.

In Paraguay it has been discovered that a botched vaccine was responsible for transmitting foot and mouth disease. Following the outbreak over a thousand animals were culled.

The outbreak caused neighbouring countries to ban Paraguayan imports - which officials estimate is costing the economy US$70 million a month.

In Europe, the Board of Bovine Experts (EBBE) is in the process of creating a Metabolic Health Scheme.

The scheme aims to help all farmers improve milk production by looking at factors that affect metabolic health.

By identifying what inputs the farm is excelling in and what areas can be improved - the scheme will help producers understand how small changes can affect the metabolic health of their cows and subsequently increase milk production efficiency.